Charles County Advances $641.8M Budget and Volunteer Tax Credit Boost

The Charles County Commissioners convened on April 21 and 22, 2026, to review the proposed $641.8 million fiscal year 2027 budget, which maintains stable property and income tax rates. Key discussions included a unanimous vote to introduce legislation increasing the volunteer fire tax credit, and a briefing on the proposed vertical expansion of the Charles County Landfill. Of particular note for development, Planning Director Charles Rice, Economic Development Director Jim Chandler, and Chief of Commercial Development Mark Thompson presented the Planning Commission's report on Zoning Text Amendment 25-187, which addresses data center definitions and permissible zones. The Planning Commission had initially recommended denial, suggesting restrictions such as limiting data centers to Heavy Industrial zones, prohibiting potable water for cooling, and mandating self-generated power. A revised version removed Business Park and Low-Density Residential zones from consideration, strengthened water-use provisions, and stipulated that applicants must cover public infrastructure costs. The Commissioners voted 3-2 to return this revised amendment to the Planning Commission for additional review and a public hearing, signifying an ongoing legislative process regarding data center development within the county.